Rod 'BEACHHEAD' JefferyVocalist/Leader

Rod has been singing professionally for something
in excess of 25 years and is regarded by
both his fans and musical peers alike as
being one of the finest blues singers in
the country. he has been described by Dr.
(A.J.) Bruce Johnson, jazz trumpeter and
author of the 'OXFORD COMPANION to AUSTRALIAN
JAZZ', as singing "the most heartfelt version, since the
original was done by Billie Holiday" of the classic jazz tune, 'GOD BLESS THE CHILD', which appears on the recent U.K. release
of the CD album, 'Tony Barnard’s ALL HAT JAZZ'.
Recorded in Sydney in 1990 and receiving
a great deal of airtime and acclaim on the
BBC jazz programs, the album also features
Rod on two other tracks, both written by
himself, that also appear on the BEACHHEAD's
BLUES cassette released locally, and independently,
in December 1993.
He is renowned for having a five octave vocal range, a rarity, and over the
past few years he is singing better than
ever before.
Among his own personal appearances are, MANLY
JAZZ FESTIVAL (1985/86/90/97), MELBOURNE
HOMEGROWN BLUES FESTIVAL (1989/90), THREDBO
JAZZ FESTIVAL (1990/95), POWERS' 'BIG RIVER'
MUSIC FESTIVAL, BRISBANE (1991/92), the MAZDA
MONTSALVAT JAZZ FESTIVAL (1992/93), PARKES
JAZZ TRIDUUM (1987/88/92), LITHGOW BLUES
MUSIC FESTIVAL (1993/94/95), the EAST COAST
BLUES FESTIVAL at Byron Bay (1994), the inaugural
GRAFTON JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL (1994),
WANGARATTA FESTIVAL of JAZZ & BLUES (1994),
THREDBO BLUES MUSIC FESTIVAL (1995/99) the
DUBBO JAZZ FESTIVAL (1998) & the inaugural
BATHURST JAZZ FESTIVAL (1999).
While in Melbourne for the 1989 Homegrown
Blues Festival, Rod was asked to appear in
an episode of the legendary ABCTV music program
'Jazz AZ NOW' dedicated specifically to ‘the
Blues’ and featuring himself and African-American
singer, Larry Weems.
The program first aired on October 3rd, 1990
and was repeated in June the following year.
Between May 1988 and March 1993, he was singer
with 'ALL HAT JAZZ' during their long and
very successful Sunday afternoon residency
at Balmain's famous UNITY HALL HOTEL and
the United Kingdom, Japan and United States
releases of their self-titled album is resulting
in his receiving further acclaim as one of
the great white blues singers.